Either 'they' are a shadowy group of corporate titans (I wonder where they reside) alarmed by populism of all extractions — but then the media barons must really be understood to be their ideological lackeys, or providers of propaganda channels. Ergo, this is really about what "Wall Street" wants, not the media conglomerates.

Or 'they' are the five or so media families, whose primary worry is sustaining a (probably moribund) business model for their product: "news." For the last decade or so, they seem to have settled on ginning-up political horse races ad selling manufactured outrage as a way of moving their product, as it were. In that case, why wouldn't they be covering La Palin all the time? She sure know how to keep people watching, don't she? So what is "Wall Street" is made nervous by her unpredictability? 'They' can milk her carny show for all it's worth. Once she stops generating viewership, they'll move on to other shit. Hey, have you heard that Michelle Obama wore a sleeveless dress at a state reception? Also, I saw that B-Rock bowed to the emperor of Japan. What gives?

This is also why Ron Paul's early power fizzled – the media informed us that he had no chance at the GOP nomination so the fiscal and classic (goldwater style) conservatives found other candidates to support rather than throwing in with the libertarians. Palin's populism is a genuine reproduction of what George W Bush faked so well. Where Bush was an obedient ass-kisser when push came to shove, Palin is genuinely unpredictable. So while the business interests love her ideas about drilling and what not, they have no interest in seeing her be president, as she would be far too likely to do the "right" (to her way of thinking) thing as opposed to what Wall Street wants her to do.

Faux populism (the down-home talk of a Yale educated Maine boy gone Texas transplant) is fine. Real populism (someone who would rather resign the governorship than fight partisan political battles on the public teat) is not. In short, she won't get on her knees and kiss their ring. And that's the only way to be a made man. (also true in the democratic party)

I must join Da Moose in objecting to some weakness in your inference, Ed. I'm not sure what exactly you claim drives the media-industrial complex. If it's just a thirst for ratings-gold, then why kick the Queen of White Rage to the curb? She's guaranteed to keep everybody watching, whether with delight or in horror. Plus, either they know she has no real chance of winning elections, so why not keep covering her freak show anyway? Or she has a chance in hell, but then why alienate her followers from the only news channel they think they can 'trust'? Bashing her openly also risks losing the 23% or so who would never consider voting for Multiple Choice Mitt, Wall Street's candidate of choice.

But you also seem to imply that the five media families really have an ideology, beside (or instead of?) a non-partisan desire for ratings. To over-simplify, it's the political platform of business Republicans — low corporate taxes, extra-lean regulatory policies, free trade and free capital transfer. (These types used to be socially somewhat liberal, at least re: abortion and gay sex. It seems that, in the Bush Era, they have come to accept dark alliances with the Wackos for the sake of political gains.) But, if that is their political agenda, the Palin situation is a case in which their ideology and commercial interests are at odds. Bashing Palin in order to make room for The Mitt and the Huckster involves taking a hit in the ratings. Also, it risks (P)alienating a lot of mouth-breathers, with the fatal consequence of either (1) driving them to form a third party, hence making the GOP a permanent minority, or (2) having them stay home on the next Nov 4, thus again ensuring defeat for the Republican candidate.

Plus, instead of bashing her openly, they can always wait for her shtick to fizz out, then offer her a slot on the evening line-up. She'd probably draw bigger crowds than Hannity or the van Susteren woman. It just doesn't make any good sense to kick the Hockey Mom to the curb.